Material Safety Data Sheet for Phenolic Resin

Identification

Product Name: Phenolic Resin
Chemical Family: Phenol-formaldehyde resin
Synonyms: Resole resin, Novolac resin
Recommended Uses: Binder for composites, adhesives, molding compounds, coatings
Supplier Contact Information: Emergency telephone numbers and manufacturer details are printed on the original shipment documents

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable solid, skin irritant, eye irritant, respiratory sensitizer
GHS Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, suspected carcinogen, harmful if inhaled or swallowed, toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, use protective equipment, wash exposed areas thoroughly

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredients: Phenol (5-20%), Formaldehyde (2-10%), Water (10-60%), Fillers and additives (balance)
CAS Numbers: Phenol - 108-95-2, Formaldehyde - 50-00-0
Impurities: May contain free formaldehyde and residual monomers
Concentration Range: Varies by grade and supplier batch

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with plenty of water and mild soap, seek medical attention for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, seek medical care
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water if victim is conscious, seek immediate medical help

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use direct water stream)
Specific Hazards: Hazardous combustion products may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic vapors, formaldehyde gas
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool unopened containers with water spray, remove materials from fire area if safely possible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage into drains, surface waters, and soil
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth), collect in appropriate chemical waste container, dispose according to regulations, decontaminate area with detergent and water

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing vapors or dusts, keep away from ignition sources, avoid creation of aerosols
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep containers tightly closed, use ground and bond containers for static discharge control, keep away from strong acids, oxidizers, and foodstuffs
Special Instructions: Store away from incompatible materials, label containers clearly, implement strict access control in storage areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Phenol TWA: 5 ppm (OSHA/ACGIH), Formaldehyde TWA: 0.75 ppm (OSHA)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, maintain adequate general ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene), goggles or face shield, impervious clothing, approved respirator in poorly ventilated areas or if exposure limits exceeded
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, launder work clothing separately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Solid or viscous liquid, usually brown or reddish
Odor: Characteristic phenolic, sometimes pungent
pH: 6 – 8 (aqueous solutions)
Melting Point: 70–130°C (varies by grade)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: 65–150°C (closed cup, varies by formulation)
Solubility: Partially soluble in water, soluble in alcohols and ethers
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: 1.1–1.3 g/cm³
Other: May form hazardous dusts, especially during grinding or cutting of cured resin

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, aldehydes, amines, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenol, formaldehyde vapors
Polymerization: Thermal and uncontrolled chemical reactions may result in runaway polymerization and pressure buildup

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritant, sensitizer by skin contact, inhalation leads to respiratory tract irritation
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis, respiratory sensitization, possible effects on liver and kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Formaldehyde listed as carcinogen by IARC and NTP
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, burning, allergic skin reactions, breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term effects in aquatic environments
Mobility: Resin has low mobility in soil due to polymer structure, free monomers may leach
Persistence/Degradability: Slowly biodegradable, persistent in water and soil
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for cured resin, moderate risk for unreacted monomers (phenol, formaldehyde)
Other Adverse Effects: Prevent release into environment, proper containment required during use and disposal

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, local environmental regulations
Recommended Disposal: Incineration or landfill at permitted facility, do not discharge to sewers or waterways
Packaging Disposal: Contaminated packaging must be treated as chemical waste, triple rinse or puncture, follow local rules
Special Considerations: Do not reuse empty containers, avoid creating dust during disposal processing, keep waste resin away from incompatible materials

Transport Information

UN Number: Based on resin flammability and composition (typically UN 3259 for phenolic resins in solid form)
Proper Shipping Name: Phenolic Resin
Hazard Class: 4.1 (Flammable solid) or as per specific product form
Packing Group: II or III depending on exact formulation
Labeling Requirements: Flammable solid, include hazard statements
Special Provisions: Protect from heat, sources of ignition, comply with carrier restrictions for hazardous goods

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Phenol and formaldehyde covered under the Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Both phenol and formaldehyde are subject to reporting for Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
TSCA: All components should be listed or exempt
EU REACH: Classified as hazardous, subject to restrictions on use of formaldehyde
California Proposition 65: Formaldehyde present, warning required
Other Country-Specific Regulations: Check transport and exposure limits as per regional regulatory agencies
Workplace Control: Workplaces must implement engineering controls, PPE, and regular health surveillance for workers exposed to phenolic resin